Sunday, April 22

The following is an email that I just got. Don't feel obligated to read the whole thing. Like I even need to tell you that, you'll read what you want anyway. I went ahead and bolded the locations that would have pertained specifically to us so you can skim to that if you want. I am so glad to be done with that chapter of my life. In Mexico you can never be too careful. I can't believe some of the stupid stuff I've heard Americans try lately. (Hopefully) You only get kidnapped or shot once, SO BE CAREFUL! It is NOT the 51st state.

Dear friends,Please read the following public announcement and forward it to other Americansabroad as you are able. Thank you,American Citizen Services SectionU.S. ConsulateMonterrey, Mexico. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTU.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATEOffice of the SpokesmanMexicoApril 19, 2007This Public Announcement advises U.S. citizens on security situations in Mexicothat may affect their activities while in that country. This PublicAnnouncement supersedes previous Public Announcements for Mexico dated January18, 2007 and September 15, 2006. This Public Announcement expires on October16, 2007.Narcotics-Related Violence - U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Mexicoshould exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas and be aware of theirsurroundings at all times. Violence by criminal elements affects many parts ofthe country, urban and rural, including border areas. In recent months therehave been execution-style murders of Mexican officials in Tamaulipas(particularly Nuevo Laredo), Michoacan, Baja California, Guerrero (particularlyAcapulco), Nuevo Leon (especially in and around Monterrey) and other states.Though there is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted,Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in some violentattacks demonstrating the heightened risk in public places. In its effort tocombat violence, the Government of Mexico has deployed military troops invarious parts of the country. U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate withofficial checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.In recent years dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in Nuevo Laredo withmore than two dozen cases still unresolved and new cases of kidnap for ransomcontinue to be reported. No one can be considered immune from kidnapping on thebasis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. Drug cartel members havebeen known to follow and harass U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles,particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros. U.S.citizens who believe they are being followed should notify officials as soon aspossible. U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roadsduring daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which aregenerally more secure. It is preferable for U.S. citizens to stay in well-knowntourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequatesecurity, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member not travelingwith them. U.S. citizens should refrain from displaying expensive-lookingjewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.Oaxaca City - U.S. citizens traveling to Oaxaca City should be aware that fromMay to November 2006, protests in Oaxaca City became increasingly violentresulting in at least nine deaths. On October 27, 2006, a U.S. citizen was shotand killed in Oaxaca City as a result of the violence and disorder caused byongoing civil unrest in the city. Many of the issues that were the basis forthe protests remain unresolved. U.S. Citizens planning to travel to Oaxaca Cityshould check on current conditions before beginning their travel.

Demonstrations - Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and areusually peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turnconfrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly. During violentdemonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are reminded toremain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown andsurrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches anddemonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor localmedia sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within thevicinity of any protests. The State Department reminds U.S. citizens to avoidparticipating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemedpolitical by Mexican authorities. The Mexican Constitution prohibits politicalactivities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/ordeportation.For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the MexicoConsular Information Sheet at:http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. For the latestsecurity information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitorthe Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the currentWorldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcementscan be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers from Mexico, aregular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federalholidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged toregister with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the StateDepartment's travel registration website athttps://travelregistration.state.gov.For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact theclosest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City atPaseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States:011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone longdistance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy bye-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's Internet address ishttp://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.Consulates:Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-N, telephone (52)(656) 611-3000.Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100.Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500.Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402.Merida: Calle 60 No. 338 K, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 345-2120.Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150.Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512.Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400.

Saturday, April 21

I know this sounds like a lame opening to a talk or something...but I don't know where to start, things have been so busy lately. Tyler is gone to North Carolina for training. Work is fine but he mostly just misses Mack and me (is it still sweet if I type it myself?) Mack has no idea what is going on but gets very confused in the morning when there is no Daddy around to play with. I miss Tyler a TON.Last weekend Kerin came up with Mack and I to the Bay area to look for an apartment. We stayed with my Aunt Gail and Uncle Butch (Grandma Cope's brother). They were a hoot I say, a real riot. Both have lived in San Francisco their entire lives, but Gail cannot for the life of her give directions. Problem solved: she got in the car and told us how to get there as we went. She also told us about her 97 year old mother who lives by herself in the Marina district of San Francisco. She is sick of her window and has a pretend boyfriend named Mario who drives a convertible Mercedes. Gail always has to set a place for him at dinner. His car should be parked across the street, but he's going to be a little late.After searching South San Francisco, San Francisco, Alameda and Oakland, I found a place. It's in Oakland and yes it's safe, so please stop asking me that. It's also 900 sq ft, which blows my mind, and $200 less than I was willing to pay. Prayers ARE answered. If everything goes well, we'll be moving in around the 5th of May.I'm sure you all know a certain someone (Mack) has very important birthday coming up on the 3rd. It'll be his first in fact. I have a goal to find a Cozy Coupe off craigslist and turn it into something inspired by this from Rookiemoms in time for the big day. As far as projects go in general I'm working on a few other things as usual, but I don't want to spoil any surprises so I'll have to keep my mouth shut.Sorry there are no pictures this time. I don't have a cord to hook up the camera. OH--and we had a great Easter, in Utah with the whole family. Really it was great, but just so long ago I'd feel silly writing about it now. Maybe I'll put up some pictures from it it a couple of weeks. But know this: Mack ate his first (half of a) peep. That a'boy!